If you have trouble viewing this page, please click here

You are invited to participate in the public review for the 2011 BC Building Code. More...



Attention all Firm Owners / Administrators: Firm Updates Now Past Due

The deadline to complete your Firm Update was November 1, 2010. If you have not completed your Firm Update online please do as soon as possible. In order to complete the firm update you must log on to your on-line firm profile (http://aibc.memberpro.net) and follow the instructions. The Architects Act and AIBC bylaws require every firm to file an annual update with the AIBC. Please direct any questions to Licensing Coordinator Kim Underwood (kunderwood@aibc.ca) or Manager – Registration & Licensing Roisin O’Neill (roneill@aibc.ca).

Save the Date: AIBC Holiday Open House

Celebrate the season with style and elegance by attending the AIBC Holiday Open House. Join us after work and share in music, food, and fun with colleagues and friends. The event places Wednesday, December 8, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the AIBC offices (#100 - 440 Cambie Street, Vancouver). To confirm your attendance, please r.s.v.p. to communications@aibc.ca by December 2. We hope to see you there.

Save the Date:
2011 AIBC / Architecture Canada | RAIC Conference & Festival of Architecture

May 24 – 27, 2011
Vancouver Convention Centre

Save the date for next year’s AIBC Annual Conference, held in conjunction with Architecture Canada’s annual Festival of Architecture. Over four days, this event will bring together architects and allied professionals from across the province and around the country. The conference / festival theme, Architecture on the Edge, acknowledges the many ways in which west coast architects continue to push the boundaries in such areas as form and design, sustainability, community development and social awareness. Further information will be posted beginning this Fall; please check back regularly: www.aibc.ca.

Bulletin 61 (Second Edition): Seal of an Architect

The August 2010 revision to AIBC Bulletin 61 is now published and in effect (click here). This substantive revision provides comprehensive, practical advice and interpretation regarding the use of the architect’s seal, including specifying which instruments of service must be sealed, such as development permit drawings.  The revision replaces the first (1994) edition of AIBC Bulletin 61 and Directors Chair 004 - An Architect’s Seal: Its Care & Control.  The architect’s seal is a solemn confirmation and representation to the public that the architect who applied it not only takes responsibility for the document, but that the document was prepared by that architect under his/her direct supervision and control. The use of the seal is governed by the Architects Act, as supplemented by AIBC Bylaw and AIBC Council rulings found in the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. For information and advice on the electronic seal option, consult AIBC Bulletin 60:  Signature, Seal and Delivery of Electronic Documents. Feedback and questions are welcome to the attention of Professional Conduct Coordinator Gayle Roberts at groberts@aibc.ca.

Fine-tuning Your Practice: The Practice Consultation Service Answered your Questions at This Year’s Annual Conference

The AIBC Practice Consultation Service has proven to be a great success, providing feedback to firms of all ages and size with respect to their standard office practices and addressing questions relating to a variety of firm management topics. In kind, participating firms have provided their own valuable reflections on the process itself. The PCS has afforded them with a unique opportunity to step back and examine “the bigger picture”, and to ask more detailed questions relating to everyday practice management concerns.

At this year’s AIBC Annual Conference, the Practice Consultation Service Committee addressed a number of these questions in an open forum that promoted dialogue between Practice Consultants and fellow architects. Roundtable discussions offered the opportunity for attendees to share their own knowledge of design firm management relating to Digital Media & Information Management; Management of Projects (Process & Resources); and RFPs and Client/Consultant Agreements.

The feedback from the sessions has been overwhelmingly positive, with members citing it as an excellent opportunity to engage consultants directly as well as listen to the experiences of other fellow colleagues.

As a useful introduction to some of the topics that may be covered during a practice consultation, please take a look at the Practice Self-Assessment Rating Form available for download on the AIBC web site:

http://aibc.ca/member_resources/practice/pdf/4.1_PCS_PSARF.pdf

To learn more about the PCS or to schedule a practice consultation, please contact Director of Professional Services Maura Gatensby MAIBC by phone (604-683-8588; ext. 334) or e-mail (mgatensby@aibc.ca).



Building Envelope Education Program Course Registration

For those registrants wishing to complete the AIBC’s Building Envelope Education Program (BEEP), now is your chance. Follow the link http://www.aibc.ca/member_resources/professional_dev/index.html and check out the course descriptions and scheduled dates. You can also access it from the AIBC home page. Click on "Course Registration" under Quick Links and register online. These courses are only offered once a year, so don’t miss out.

BEEP Module I:
Building Science and the Building Envelope (Available Online)

Topics for Module I include:

  • The Outdoor and Indoor Environment
  • Conditions Within the Envelope
  • Materials and Their Moisture Content
  • Rain Penetration
  • Pressure Differences Due to Wind
  • Predicting Building Envelope Performance

For more information, please contact Professional Development Coordinator Catherine Bolter at cbolter@aibc.ca or (604) 683-8588, extension 312.

18 Core LUs


The AIBC 2010 PD/CES Course Schedule and Registration Form are available online at www.aibc.ca/member_resources/professional_dev/index.html.




SFU City Program

Leading Edge Solutions to House Everyone

We are in the midst of an affordable housing crisis. There are times when up to thirty to fifty percent of people in a community cannot access affordable housing. What can we do about it when our traditional models are failing us? In this interactive course, learn directly from practitioners who are advancing new ideas and approaches to create affordable rental and home ownership for low- and middle-income earners. Case studies are focused on affordable rental and home-ownership, and will feature:

  • A range of strategies such as inclusionary zoning, private-sector-led innovation, partnership deals, housing organizations and price resale restriction.

  • Policy and tools to improve the investment climate for affordable housing, uphold existing housing stock and maintain affordability over time.

  • Approaches to make affordable housing green.

  • Strategies to put a real face on the affordability crisis to better leverage funding and resources.

  • Information covering the guts of each deal, including roles, responsibilities and risks - equally relevant to local government, the non-profit and private sectors.

It takes place November 26–27, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the SFU Downtown Campus, 515 West Hastings Street, Vancouver. For details or to register, please visit http://www.sfu.ca/city/course4popup.htm

12 Non-core LUs

Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Drafting / CADD Technologies - Professional Upgrading and Training
AutoCAD®     Revit Architecture®

This course offers customized training for professionals in CAD-related professions. Using up-to-date online training tutorials, professionals can work at their own pace to complete the material for each level of software training. The instructor will work individually with course registrants to explain complex concepts, trouble shoot problems, and assess/give feedback and direction. Professionals are invited to bring in samples of the type of drawings they would like to create, and the instructor will assist in obtaining a satisfactory result. Upon mastery of course material, A Recognition of Achievement will be awarded and the course will be added to each participant's Kwantlen transcript. Progress and courses completed will vary by individual. Training is purchased in 12-week (36-hour) blocks for $495 + HST per block. The cost of online training material is $100 + HST per year (includes all Autodesk® software). It takes place January through June 2011 at the Kwantlen Cloverdale Campus. Courses are held Tuesdays from 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. and online distance training can be provided in appropriate situations. For more information, please visit http://www.kwantlen.ca/trades/cadd/upgrading-training or contact CADD Department Chair Joanne Massey by email: joanne.massey@kwantlen.ca or phone: (604) 598-6123.

36 Core LUs

Urban Land Institute (ULI)

The City in 2050: Creating Blueprints for Change Series, Part 6
Making it Happen with Bjarke Ingels (BIG, Denmark)

Join Bjarke Ingels, world renowned architect and visionary from Copenhagen, as he wraps up the series with a unique international perspective. Ingels has created an international reputation as part of a new generation of architects who combine shrewd analysis, playful experimentation, social responsibility, and humour. Ingels is also the recipient of the 2010 European Prize for Architecture. A networking reception follows his talk. It takes place Thursday, November 25, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Terminal City Club's Metropolitan Ballroom (837 West Hastings Street, Vancouver). To register, please visit http://britishcolumbia.uli.org/. For more information, please contact Jeannie Bates at jeannie.bates@uli.org or by phone at (604) 761-8060.

2 Non-core LUs

Construction Specifications Canada (CSC)

Breakfast Meeting: The Evolution of Glass and High Performance Coatings

Presented by Bill Coady CSI CCPR of Guardian Glass, this talk covers glass from its basic materials through the manufacturing process. It addresses the various types of Low E technologies available and defines relevant energy terms. Topics include:

  • Selection of the right type of glass for each project

  • The history of architectural glass

  • The basic materials that combine to create complex architectural glass

  • The types of LowE and Solar Control Glazings available, and understanding the difference
    between Pyrolytic and Vacuum Deposition coatings

  • The heat treating process, the differences between heat-strengthened and tempered glass, and how to properly use both types

  • Defining appropriate energy terms related to glass and glazing

  • Review of current glass and market trends

  • Important design considerations and ideas related to the use of glass in architecture

The presentation is scheduled for Thursday, November 18 at the Sandman Hotel, 180 West Georgia Street, Vancouver. Go to the ballroom at the back of Moxie’s restaurant. Breakfast is at 7:00 a.m., with the seminar from 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. The cost is $48 (HST included) ($32 with HST for pre-registered CSC members and association executive directors). Register online through Karelo at www.csc-vancouver.ca.

1 Core LU

 

CSC Vancouver Island Chapter: Inaugural Meeting

Join CSC President Corinne Golding for the inaugural meeting of the CSC Vancouver Island Chapter. It takes place Friday December 3 from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. at the Ambrosia Conference and Event Centre (638 Fisgard Street, Victoria). Feature speaker Roger Steers M.Eng. P.Eng. LEED AP of Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd. presents a talk entitled "Concrete Structures – Evaluation and Repair." This presentation examines methods of testing, analysing and interpreting aged concrete structures. Lunch is provided. For more information, click here.

Professional Services Management Association (PSMA)

BC Health Sector: Process for Major Capital Projects

You are invited to hear guest speaker John Dyble, B.C. Deputy Minister of Health Services, talk about managing system demands and the ministry’s efforts around major capital projects - from concept to construction. British Columbians enjoy the benefits that come from healthy lifestyles and a health system that delivers quality care with exceptional outcomes. Yet, the sector faces rising demand and an unsustainable cost curve, challenges shared by jurisdictions across the country and around the world. In response, B.C. is engaged in an exciting process of innovation and change, working to ensure an efficient system, built on effective infrastructure, that meets not only existing needs, but the needs of the province into the future. With $2.3 billion in capital infrastructure investment planned for the next three years, management of major capital projects will be key to delivering the Innovation and Change Agenda. This is your chance to learn about related opportunities for architects and engineers. It happens on Thursday, November 25, 2010, 11:30 a.m.  - 2:00 p.m. at the Sutton Place Hotel, 845 Burrard Street, Vancouver.

2.5 Non-core LUs

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) 

Housing Outlook Conference – Victoria

Join CMHC in Victoria as housing experts present the housing and economic forecast that can inform your  business strategy for 2011. CMHC representatives will examine the key factors that impact housing demand and supply; provide a forecast for the BC economy and Victoria CMA markets for 2011; and highlight the trends in new home, rental and resale markets that are influencing developers and consumers. Tony Gioventu, from the Condominium Home Owners’ Association, will examine how new and existing strata legislation impacts the housing industry as well as discuss the sustainability of condominiums. The conference also highlights the tools and resources available from the CMHC that help in building affordable housing. It takes place on Monday, November 22 at Victoria's Delta Ocean Pointe Resort and Spa. The cost is $85 plus HST. For more information, visit www.cmhc.ca/conferenceregistration or call 1-800-668-2642.

3 Non-core LUs

CWC/Wood WORKS!

Wood Design Luncheon Conferences: BC's Wood First Act - What it Means to You

This series of seminars, offered through the Canadian Wood Council and sponsored by Forestry Innovation Investment under the Wood WORKS! BC project, will provide essential information on the Wood First Act, among other wood-related topics. Learn about the rationale, the legislation, the implementation and the benefits for your community. These events include informative seminars on wood design and construction; the latest information about wood products; and exhibits devoted to wood products. The following dates and locations are available:

  • Kelowna: Wednesday, November 24

  • Kamloops: Thursday, November 25

  • Victoria: Tuesday, November 30

  • Nanaimo: Wednesday, December 1

Free admission and complimentary luncheon is provided for all pre-registered guests. For details, or to register, visit www.wood-works.org or contact Lorna Malone at lmalone@wood-works.ca

3 Core LUs

Xero Flor Canada Ltd.

Green Roof Technology Workshop

Xero Flor, a recognized pioneer in the green roof industry, invites you to attend a one-day green roof technology workshop being held in Vancouver on Monday, November 29, 2010 at the Plaza 500 Hotel. Keynote presenter Karen Liu PhD, along with Chris Eichhorn ILD, Bob Thurston of Siplast and Sasha Aguilera from Xero Flor Canada, will cover all pertinent issues such as various green roof systems; benefits and scientific data; roofing assemblies; load capacity; fire and wind uplift considerations; LEED® credits; leak detection; and maintenance. The registration fee of $135 (HST included) covers meals, binder and certificate of attendance. Registration and breakfast starts at 8.30 a.m., and the workshop concludes at 4:00 p.m. To register online and for more information, please go to http://www.xeroflor.ca/workshops.html.

6 Core LUs

MMPI

SusainaBUILD Conference 2010

Over the past few years, indoor air quality, mould and moisture problems related to building envelope and ventilation systems have gained a reputation within the construction, design and building management communities as often difficult and complicated issues. There has been a rapid adoption of green building certification systems for new and existing buildings that claim to protect occupant health while achieving climate change objectives. But are all green buildings healthy buildings? This one-day conference will seek to provide answers to this pressing issue by addressing the myths and misconceptions surrounding sustainable green buildings and health in the context of the building envelope and ventilation. It happens Tuesday, November 23, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver, 655 Burrard Street. For details or to register, please visit http://www.sustainabuild.com/vancouver/.

Core and Non-core LUs available

Vancouver Heritage Foundation

Old School: Courses for Building Conservation

This fall, the Vancouver Heritage Foundation presents an educational series that explores the strong connection between working with existing buildings and being “green”. These courses explore how repairing, re-using and recycling buildings and their materials can be the least invasive strategies in relation to environmental impact. Participants will also learn what related resources are available in B.C. For more information including a course listings, dates and fees please visit http://www.vancouverheritagefoundation.org/oldschool.html.

Core LUs Available

IMAGINiT Technologies

Revit Architecture 2011 BIM Management

Revit Architecture is a powerful Building Information Modeling (BIM) program that supports the ability to coordinate, update, and share design data with team members throughout the design, construction, and management phases. The objective of the Revit Architecture 2011 BIM Management course is to enable students who have worked with Revit to expand their knowledge in setting up office standards. Specific topics include setting up templates with annotation styles, preset views, sheets and schedules, as well as custom element types and families. By creating standard templates and custom elements, a key component in the BIM process is to establish a company foundation for different types of projects. Doing so ensures that new projects flow smoothly and efficiently. The length of this training session is one day. Please contact Kam Seignarack of IMAGINiT Technologies for more information at 604-207-2114 or by e-mail kseignarack@rand.com.

6.5 Core LUs


Sustainable Design: Ecotect Analysis Fundamentals (Web-based Workshop)

Ecotect Analysis software is a comprehensive concept-to-detail sustainable design analysis tool, providing a wide range of simulation and analysis functionality. Users can interact with powerful 3D feedback to explore factors such as solar energy, shadows and reflections, and day lighting. Using Autodesk Ecotect Analysis, architects and designers can gain better insight into building performance early in the process, helping to achieve more sustainable designs, faster time to market, and lower project costs. For more information or to register, please contact Kam Seignarack by e-mail (kam.seignarack@rand.com) or phone (604-207-2114).

16 Core LUs

AEC Daily Online Learning

AEC Daily offers free online courses worth core learning units. For a list of offerings, please visit their online learning centre at http://www.aecdaily.com/en/236763?list=4.


Current Exhibit: BCIT Architectural Science Degree
2010 Graduating Projects

November 2010
AIBC Gallery: #100 – 440 Cambie Street, Vancouver


Make plans to attend the annual grad show for the British Columbia Institute of Technology’s Bachelor of Technology in Architectural Science program. This four-year baccalaureate degree program provides the architectural and engineering communities with graduates while also allowing students to ladder to a professional degree such as a Master of Architecture. This year’s graduating projects include Aural SFU (a music school); Centre for Ceramics; and a Community College for White Rock. For further information about the exhibit or program, contact Program Head Peter Levar MAIBC MRAIC at plevar@bcit.ca.


Pre-season Lift Tickets

This year, Club AIBC offers a range of discounted prices on pre-season lift tickets and rentals. Included in the offerings are:

  • Whistler Blackcomb: Save 25% on lift tickets and up to 47% on rentals

  • Sun Peaks Resort: Save 15% on lift tickets

  • Silver Star Resort: Save 15% on lift tickets

  • Big White Ski Resort: Save 15% on lift tickets.

Order by November 19 to take advantage of these offers. Order eight or more tickets and receive a chance to win a Whistler Prize Package valued at over $650 (package includes: 2 Adult Day Lift Tickets, 2 Fresh Tracks Breakfast Tickets, 2 Whistler fleeces, 2 T-shirts, 2 neck warmers, 2 toques, and 2 aluminum water bottles). For more information on this and other Club AIBC offerings, please visit http://www.aibc.intrd.com.


Public Review for the 2011 BC Building Code

You are invited to participate in the public review for the 2011 BC Building Code. This public review focuses on recommended variations from the model 2010 National Building Code. The purpose of this public review is to gather feedback on 14 variations that are being recommended by the Building and Safety Standards Branch of the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General. The feedback you provide will be considered in the development of the 2011 BC Building Code expected to take effect in the fall of 2011. The opportunity to participate in the public review will continue until December 21, 2010. The online public review is hosted through the Building and Safety Standards Branch web site: http://www.housing.gov.bc.ca/building/consultation/code_variations/index.html. If you have any questions, please contact Codes Administrator Jarrett Hutchinson at telephone (250) 356-8163 or email codequestion@gov.bc.ca.

BC Building Permit Statistics

On November 5, BCStats released its most recent statistics covering all types of building permit values for all BC Districts and Communities. The report covers the years 2001 to 2009. The findings indicate that Overall Building Permit values peaked in 2007 across Canada and in British Columbia and declined in 2008 and 2009. However, for the period January to September 2010, compared to January to September 2009, Building Permit values increased by over 27% across Canada and over 36% in British Columbia. To view the complete document, click here.

Revised Energy Efficiency Act

New Retrofit Standards for Commercial, Industrial, Institutional and Residential Buildings

As of January 1, 2011, province's the Energy Efficiency Act will regulate commercial, industrial, institutional and residential buildings (five storeys and higher or greater than 600 metres squared). The regulation will cover the retrofit of existing buildings which do not undertake ASHRAE compliance (e.g. building envelop renovation of mid-rise condominium buildings). New buildings that undertake ASHRAE 90.1 compliance as covered by the British Columbia Building Code will be exempt. The amended regulations can be found online at http://www.bclaws.ca/EPLibraries/bclaws_new/document/ID/freeside/10_389_93.

.

Invitation to Participate National Energy Code Review

The Province of British Columbia and the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC) invite you to participate in a public review of proposed changes for the 2011 National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB). The public review, one of the main steps in the process for developing model national code documents, provides a nation-wide forum for review and comment on the changes proposed. The 2011 NECB is a model code developed by the CCBFC in partnership with the provinces/ territories and the National Research Council of Canada. B.C. is considering the adoption of this model code into provincial building regulations. The fall 2010 public review, which takes place from October 4 to November 26, is seeking comments on a new objective, new functional statements, and proposed technical changes. To participate, visit the National Codes web site at http://www.nationalcodes.ca/eng/public_review/2010/introduction.shtml.

2012 Venice Biennale in Architecture

The Canada Council for the Arts is now accepting submissions proposing the Canadian representation at the 2012 Venice Biennale in Architecture. The proposed presentation should communicate excellence, innovation, and currency in contemporary Canadian architecture including buildings, landscapes and places, or in works of critical and (or) design research on architecture, landscape architecture or the urban environment. The successful applicant will have responsibilities in all aspects of the Canadian presentation, including:

  • conception, design and production of the exhibition;

  • shipping, insurance, installation and dismantling of the exhibition;

  • opening, closing, operation and staffing of the Canada Pavilion;

  • coordination with the National Gallery of Canada, the administration of the Venice Biennale and the Canadian Embassy in Italy;

  • promotion and media relations; and

  • opening ceremonies

The selected applicant will be responsible for delivering the proposed project, without substantial alteration, while assuming responsibility for expenses incurred by the project beyond the envelope provided by the Canada Council. Note: a new structure is being developed to assist, and potentially take on some of the responsibilities currently assigned to the successful applicant. However, the nature and extent of this structure will only be known at a later date.  The selected team may be invited to take part in the conception and implementation of this structure.

The nominal applicant must be an incorporated Canadian organization, institution, or registered business, and the project team must include professional expertise and experience in contemporary Canadian architecture. Submissions will be assessed by a committee composed of experienced professionals chosen for their specialized knowledge in contemporary Canadian architecture, landscape architecture, the urban environment, and public exhibitions. Selection will be made according to the following criteria:

  • the architectural merit of the works to be represented;

  • the capacity of the project to capture the attention of visitors, convey the presentation’s key ideas and promote contemporary Canadian works of architecture to a broad and diverse public;

  • the feasibility of the project, including the likelihood that the proposal will be realized in its integrity, with a special focus on anticipated costs and realism of fundraising expectations; and

  • the demonstrated capacity of the applicant to complete projects of this nature in an expedient, responsible, and professional manner.

Interested parties are invited to contact the Program Officer Brigitte Desrochers (e-mail: brigitte.desrochers@canadacouncil.ca; phone: 1-800-263-5588) to receive an information package and discuss the specific challenges of this event. The deadline for submissions is December 6, 2010.

BC Building Code: Important Changes to Letters of Assurance

The BC Building Code 2006 has been amended to clarify the roles and accountabilities of registered professionals who sign letters of assurance. These changes, referred to as Revision 10, are effective September 1, 2010. Members are strongly advised to carefully review these code changes, the newly revised Guide to Letters of Assurance in the BC Building Code 2006 and the AIBC's newly-issued Practice Note 16: Professional Design and Field Review by Supporting Registered Professionals before issuing any letters of assurance.

Click here for more.

Maura Gatensby MAIBC
Director of Professional Services

NOTE: A new dynamic PDF of AIBC Practice Note 16 is now available on the AIBC web site. Click here.


Notarius Presentations

This fall, Notarius Inc presents information sessions covering the use of digital signatures. Attendees will learn about the ways in which this technology can improve office efficiency while lowering costs. Sessions will be held November 23 at the Delta Burnaby Hotel and Conference Centre (4331 Dominion Street, Burnaby). Free parking will be available at the Casino parkade. Advance reservations are required; please confirm your attendance by emailing marc.stjacques@notarius.com or click here for additional event details. For more information on the use of this technology, please refer to AIBC Bulletin 60: Signature, Seal and Delivery of Electronic Documents.

Deltek Event

This November, join Deltek - a provider of enterprise applications software designed for project-focused businesses - for an evening of Wisdom and Wine. The speaker will be Deltek's Kim Hilsenbeck who will present findings from the 23rd annual 2010 Clarity: Architecture & Engineering Operating Statistics Survey. Michael Burns of 180 Systems will provide insight into what these metrics suggest for the future of the Canadian architecture and engineering market. The evening will also include dinner, wine and networking opportunities. It will take place November 17, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Terminal City Club (837 West Hastings Street), Vancouver. Advance reservations are required. To register, go to http://www.deltek.com/specialoffers/2010_OpStats.asp.

Drawing on the Land: Contemporary Landscape Architecture Exhibition

This fall, the BC Society of Landscape Architects presents Drawing on the Land: Contemporary Landscape Architecture Exhibition the Pendulum Gallery (885 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC). The exhibit offers gallery visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the thought process that goes into designing and humanizing open spaces. The show runs from November 15 to December 4. The Gallery is open to the public from Monday to Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free.

Visions for Surrey

You are invited to take part in important conversations that will examine future visions for Surrey and its various communities. Earlier this year, the TownShift Ideas Competition invited people to imagine what architecture and urban design could look like in each of five town centres in Surrey. The competition attracted 137 submissions from designers in 21 countries. As follow-up to the competition and the intriguing ideas that have come to the fore, a series of evening events has been scheduled in order to facilitate public discussion:

 

Cloverdale  

Thursday, November 18
Kwantlen Polytechnic University
5500 180 Street (access off Highway 10)
Room 1853, Boardroom

Fleetwood   

Tuesday, November 23
Surrey Sport and Leisure Complex
16555 Fraser Highway
Multi-purpose Room #3

 

Guildford

Thursday, November 25
Guildford Recreation Centre
15105 – 105 Avenue
Multi-purpose Room, Level 2

Semiahmoo   

Tuesday, November 30
Sunnyside Hall
1845 – 154 Street

 

Newton 

Thursday, December 2
Newton Community Hall
13730 – 72 Avenue (enter via wave pool)
Multi-purpose Room #3

 

While each event is different (focusing on the specific town centre), they will share the same agenda:

  • 6:00 p.m. Open house display of selected competition panels, meet the designers and organizers (refreshments served)

  • 7:00 p.m.  Visual presentation outlining key design ideas for that town centre

  • 8:00 p.m.  Community dialogue: public comments, queries and suggestions to move TownShift’s ideas forward

All five evenings are free and open to anyone. Please note: the first 50 attendees each night will receive a special 32-page, colour booklet illustrating and interpreting selected TownShift ideas for that town centre. Public feedback will be collected in a sixth, summary booklet to be published in early 2011. For further information, and to preview the five TownShift publications online, go to www.townshift.ca.

Some Powers of Ten

The 221A Artist Run Centre is pleased to present Some Powers of Ten. Drawing from the 1968 Eames film “Powers of Ten”, this exhibition addresses the multiple and nested scales at which we perceive and interact with the built environment. Co-opting the language of architecture, construction and cartography, five emerging artists and designers negotiate the representation of an urban context, exposing the ways in which perception is augmented by zooming in or out. Curated by Laura Kozak, it features work by Sarah Hay, Josh Jordan, Dallas Spiller and Ellen Ziegler. The exhibition will run from October 16 to November 14, 2010. The 221A Artist Run Centre is located at 221 East Georgia Street, Vancouver.

Building SustainABLE Communities Conference

The Building SustainABLE Communities Conference, hosted by The Fresh Outlook Foundation, takes place at the Delta Grand Resort & Conference Centre in Kelowna from November 15 to 18, 2010. The Fresh Outlook Foundation is a non-profit organization that applies community-based social marketing (CBSM) strategies to encourage sustainable behaviour. With more than 100 speakers, this year’s conference provides a wide range of topics in Sustainability Planning, Pollution Prevention & Mitigation, Green Economic Development, and Community Sustainability. The program has recently been expanded and Speakers' Bios & Abstracts are now available online. For more information, including program and registration details, please visit www.freshoutlookfoundation.org.


SBIC 2010 Beyond Green Awards

The call for entries for the Sustainable Buildings Industry Council's 2010 Beyond GreenAwards Program has been extended to Friday, November 19 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time. This program is open to all and offers two entry categories, High-Performance Buildings and High-Performance Initiatives. Both categories will be evaluated on the successful application of the whole building approach and on energy and environmental considerations. To learn more, please download the Call for Entries at: www.sbicouncil.org/2010-awards. Questions about the program can be directed to Bud DeFlaviis at (202) 628-7400 ext 201 or by email: bdeflaviis@sbicouncil.org.

2011 Lulu Awards

The City of Richmond is now taking submissions for its annual Urban Design Award Program, known as the Lulu Awards. This program is intended to recognize, celebrate and inspire excellence in urban design in the city of Richmond. This year’s jury includes James Cheng MAIBC; Joe Erceg, Richmond’s General Manager of Planning & Development; Brian Jackson, Richmond’s Director of Development; Don Vaughan ASLA; and Jay Wollenberg CIP. The deadline for submissions is November 15, 2010. For detailed information and to enter, visit www.richmond.ca.

2011 Architecture Canada Award Submissions

Architecture Canada is now accepting submissions for its 2011 Awards of Excellence as well as the annual Governor General's Medals in Architecture, Architectural Firm Award, Young Architect Award and Prix du XXE siècle. Under the Awards of Excellence Program, awards are given every two years in the categories of Advocate for Architecture, Allied Arts Medal, Green Building, and Innovation in Architecture. For detailed information on the various award categories and submission process, please visit www.raic.org. The deadline for submissions to the Awards of Excellence Program is December 9, 2010. The deadline for the other 2011 awards is January 13, 2011.

3rd International Holcim Awards

Entries are now being accepted for the 3rd International Holcim Awards. This competition, organized by the Holcim Foundation, celebrates innovative, future-oriented projects that contribute towards a more sustainable built environment. It recognizes sustainable practices in engineering, landscape and urban design, infrastructure, and materials and construction technologies. The main category is open to working professionals including architects, engineers, planners, builders and construction firms whose projects have reached an advanced stage in design with construction to take place no earlier than July 1, 2010. There is also a "Next Generation" category for students enrolled in the final year of a bachelor program, or in graduate or post-graduate programs. Entries must be submitted online by March 23, 2011. Go to www.holcimawards.org.

Architectural Institute of British Columbia
100 - 440 Cambie Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 2N5
Tel: (604) 683-8588 toll free in BC 1-800-667-0753
Fax: (604) 683-8568 or toll free in BC 1-800-661-2955

info@aibc.ca

for staff contacts click here